Hi Everyone.
I just asked myself that question as I was adding products to our inventory and realized that some of the medications came in several different preparations: Cream, Gel, and Ointment. I had a vague idea of each term and thought they could be used interchangeably. Not so. I consulted several medical dictionaries and realized that each preparation is designed to deliver the medication in a specific manner.
This week I'll address Creams. Next week Ointments and the following week, Gels.
Creams:
Cream [Gk, chrisma,oil], 1. the portion of milk rich in butterfat. 2. any fluid mixture of thick consistency. Creams are often used as a method of applying medication to the surface of the body. Compare ointment. Mosby's Dictionary of Medicine, Copyright 2006
The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, Copyright 2008 gives this definition: A spreadable substance, similar to an ointment, but not as thick. Creams may be more appropriate than ointments for application to exposed skin areas such as the face and hands.
Creams are essentially a water and oil emulsion. They are used to deliver medication via application and absorption to and through the skin and mucus membranes. Creams generally absorb faster and are less greasy than ointments. They provide longer healing contact/action than gels.
See next week's blog on Ointments.
Sincerely,
Deanna - "To your health".
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